Sticks & Stones (A Hollis Morgan Mystery) Read Free Page A

help.”
    Pulling back, Tim fumbled and dropped his papers on the floor then stooped to gather them up. “No, no, it’s okay. I got them. I’ll get these back in order, Department Seven, no problem.”
    George and Hollis exchanged doubtful looks.
    George nodded. “Okay, Hollis , you conduct the inventory. Let’s try to get everything wrapped up by the end of the week.”
     
    Hollis laid the armful of file folders on her desk and put the envelope that held keys to the Koch house in her purse. Hearing her stomach give a low growl, she decided to stop for a quick bite of lunch then head out to the property. She wanted to get some idea of the task ahead. She had until the end of the week, but she couldn’t stop being compulsive—no, she didn’t want to stop. She liked being compulsive. If she gave it some thought, the trait probably stemmed from her need to control situations; much of her early life had been out of her control.
    She tried to reach Cathy again, but still there was no answer. If Hollis didn’t catch up to her by the time she finished at the Koch house , she would go by her place. She just hoped Cathy hadn’t given up on her.
     
    The Koch House had major creaks.
    There was another one.
    Hollis tilted her head toward the unseen noise. She didn’t frighten easily but the old house, with its dark corners and creaking walls, tested her resolve. After ten minutes, she began to regret not bringing one of the firm’s junior paralegals with her to help take photos of the house’s contents. She pulled back the heavy drapes. The afternoon was dim with heavy clouds, and the sixty-watt bulbs did the minimum to light the rooms. She paused.
    Someone was in the house with her. The sound of movement was fleeting, but not random.
    “Hello,” she called out.
    Footsteps, muffled by carpet, hurried her way.
    “Who are you? What are you doing here?” A tall young woman, her sandy blond hair pulled back with a headband, strode into the room.
    She looked to be in her twenties, dressed in jeans, a crisp white blouse and a form-fitting tailored black wool jacket. Very Town & Country , Hollis thought, as she brushed off a light film of dust covering her navy blue slacks and tan pullover sweatshirt. She put out her hand. The young woman looked down at it as if deciding whether or not to accept the handshake. She did.
    “I’m Hollis Morgan . I work for Dodson, Dodson and Doyle. We represent the estate of the owner, Margaret Koch.”
    The stranger had a firm handshake and wore a wedding ring.
    “Kelly Schaefer. My mother was close to Mrs. Koch. I didn’t know anyone would be here. I came to see the old place before it was sold.” She turned around and pointed. “We used to celebrate holidays in this room.”
    “Are you a relative? We’ve been trying to locate heirs.”
    Avoiding eye contact, Kelly walked around the room, running her hand lightly over the artifacts and upholstery.
    “No. My mom was friends with Mrs. Koch. My mother died years ago. When I read in the paper that Mrs. Koch died I just wanted to check if some of my mom’s things got left behind.” Kelly put her hands in her pockets.
    “Why would Mrs. Koch have anything from your mom after such a long period of time?”
    “My dad mentioned that my mom was special to Mrs. Koch. He even brought me by to visit her. Then he died and I was alone.” Kelly gave Hollis a rueful smile and moved toward the door. “I just wanted to see it one last time.”
    She’s lying .
    Hollis knew when she was being lied to. The instinct was a point of pride and rarely failed her. She only got into trouble when she failed to pay attention.
    “Could I have your contact info  … in case I find anything?”
    “Sure, do you have a piece of paper?”
    Hollis handed over a sheet from her pad. Kelly scribbled her name and number and handed it back. Hollis glanced at it briefly and slid it into her pocket. She wouldn’t take odds that the number was any good. She’d first